Band Fills

Gastric banding procedures such as REALIZE® Band and LAP-BAND® System Surgery have a very distinct benefit that many other weight loss surgery treatments cannot claim: they are adjustable. Gastric band fills and adjustments from Dr. James Parrish are ways of “fine-tuning” the elastic band around your stomach so that you can eat a greater or lesser amount of food before feeling full. We offer band fills for patients who have begun the bariatric surgery treatment process here at our practice as well as for those who had surgery at another location and now reside in the Alexandria area.

For the first six weeks after your initial gastric banding weight loss surgery, the band that has been placed around the upper portion of your stomach is typically empty. This allows for proper healing, ultimately creating the smaller stomach pouch for less food intake. In some cases, the band never needs to be filled at all because the patient achieves their weight loss goals without the need for further restriction around the stomach. However, most patients will need several band fills during the weight loss process.

When patients are no longer achieving a feeling of lasting fullness after a small meal, they may consider a band fill to enhance the band’s restriction around the stomach and help them feel full after eating less food. A band fill is typically a very quick, virtually painless office procedure. Our extensively trained bariatric surgeon will inject a saline solution into the band, which will make it tighter around the stomach. The entire procedure usually takes only a few minutes to complete, and there is typically no discomfort or recovery process. After the band fill, you will need to go on a liquid diet for two days. Dr. Parrish will give you a full set of instructions for what to do after the procedure so that you can continue to lose weight safely and effectively.

If patients begin to feel too much restriction, Dr. Parrish can remove saline from the band so that the stomach can accommodate more food before the feeling of fullness sets in. Dr. Parrish will talk with you about your goals before the band adjustment procedure so that you have a clear understanding of what you can expect after it is complete.

Band Fills for New Patients

Dr. Parrish welcomes patients who have had bariatric surgery in another city and would like to attain follow-up care here in Alexandria. We will be happy to evaluate your needs and help you with band fills or other post-bariatric surgery care you may require. If you are new to Alexandria, Leesville, Natchitoches, or other surrounding areas and are looking for convenient access to continued bariatric care, please contact us with any questions you may have.

For more information on band fills and adjustments, or if you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Parrish, please contact our practice.

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Dr. James Parrish, FACS, FASMBS

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Patient Testimonials

“I would recommend this surgery to anyone considering weight loss.. My health has done nothing but improve and now no longer on some of the medications I was required to take. I am more energetic and feel better than I have in years.”“Dr. Parrish was very gentle with me and answered all the questions that I had in regards to the procedure. He was very patient with me while I made my decision. I finally made my decision to have the surgery and I have been very happy since. He is extremely knowledgeable with the procedure and the follow up care.”“Dr. Parrish and his staff is wonderful to work with. Never did I feel that I was being scrutinized or put down in any way about my weight. The different surgeries were discussed and ample information was given to me to help me make a decision.”“Dr. Parrish has always been professional, caring and very thorough with the testing and preparation for these surgeries. He truly cares for his patients and it shows. He is always making sure my diet and exercise program is being followed and keeps encouraging me and gives tips and information to ensure continuing success.”